Laurie's Run in honor of late Georgetown educator on April 7

Wednesday

Feb 28, 2018 at 9:13 AMFeb 28, 2018 at 9:13 AM

By Maggie van GalenCorrespondent

There is no better incentive to get moving than when it’s for a good cause and a good person.

So dust off your sneakers, don your purple and blue, pack up the family and get ready for the inaugural Laurie Condon-Hodges 2018 Memorial 5K Run/Walk taking place in Georgetown on April 7th rain or shine.

Laurie’s Run has been created to honor and celebrate Laurie Condon-Hodges. She was a lifelong resident of Georgetown, wife and mother of 3 children, affectionately known as ‘The 3 Bs’ (Bryce, Brynn, and Brylee). Laurie was an educator, athlete and lover of life. In December of 2015, she lost a 4-year battle to cancer.

"I think when you lose someone so young and someone who was as loved as Laurie was by her students, friends and anyone who knew her," Ben Hodges said, "you want to do all you can to keep their memory alive and, in a way, keep that love you have for them alive. In much the same way as the Donohoe race has become a great community event that brings people together and reminds us what is really important in life...friendships, relationships."

All proceeds from the event will go to the Laurie Condon-Hodges Memorial Trust.

"The trust was set up in 2016 to offer scholarships in Laurie's name to a deserving Georgetown senior," explained Ben. "The scholarship was given out in 2016 and 2017, and I hope to continue this tradition for a long time."

The Harlem Wizards basketball game held in 2016 has been the only fundraiser to date. This event raised nearly $20,000, and the scholarships were awarded to GMHS students Maggie Noelk in 2016 and Julia Trapani last year.

"I would love to be able to increase the amount we give for the scholarship so it has a bigger impact in providing financial assistance for students," Ben said. "We are hoping for over 200 participants at Laurie’s Run and expect it to be a great family event."

The race is one for the entire family and will start and finish at Perley Elementary School. The course will take you down Route 97 and through Laurie’s childhood neighborhood. Runners, walkers, dogs, and strollers are all welcomed. There will also be a Kids Fun Run for those 10 and under. Post race activities include awards for top finishers, pizza, a variety of kid’s field games will be setup, local and corporate vendors will be on site and a DJ will be playing throughout the day.

"This strikes me as exactly the kind of event that Laurie would have loved," said Betsey Clement, a close family friend and one of the event coordinators. "It's an athletic event (the three kids get their competitive spirit naturally) that can bring the entire community together to support a good cause."

Ben and his 3 Bs will all be at the event racing for ‘Team Laurie.’ The youngest B, according to Ben, will be in charge of dessert tasting in the post race festivities.

"This event, I hope, will also give people the opportunity to remember those closest to them that may have passed and a chance to honor them."

"We have a great team of people working behind the scenes on the race," Clement said. "In addition to the Ben and myself, Gina Thibeault of Georgetown, two of Laurie's coworkers, Christine Bronson and Ann McNamee, and Laurie's sister, Leslie Condon are helping out. This is a big undertaking, and we couldn't pull it off without a lot of help."

If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a donation, checks can be made payable to: Laurie Condon Hodges Memorial Trust and mailed to: High5EM, co: Ashley Steeves, 147 Sylvan St.